iPad Pro restoring iPad w/o previous owner's AppleID

[rickeames]

A friend of mine picked up an iPad at a computer surplus store. Got it home to set it up, and of course it's still connected to someone's AppleID. It won't let me erase it. I tried putting it into restore mode, but the finder won't see the iPad in restore mode.

I just don't know what to do at this point -- what tool can I use to erase this iPad so it can be used.

 

[iF34R]

Contact apple. That being said, almost useless at this point unless Apple does something.
I bought one from Best Buy, apparently it was a returned one. Owner put it in lost mode. Even with my receipt, email proof of purchase, etc., Apple couldn't do anything to unlock it. Best Buy said the order didn't exist, even though it's on my orders and I have a receipt lol. /shrugs I have a $500 ipad mini paper weight.

 

[cpatrick08]

Contact apple. That being said, almost useless at this point unless Apple does something.
I bought one from Best Buy, apparently it was a returned one. Owner put it in lost mode. Even with my receipt, email proof of purchase, etc., Apple couldn't do anything to unlock it. Best Buy said the order didn't exist, even though it's on my orders and I have a receipt lol. /shrugs I have a $500 ipad mini paper weight.

Take bestbuy to small claims court.

 

[ericwn]

The device belongs to the last Apple ID it registered with. You can erase all you want, the process works on Apple’s side, the cloud.

Speak to Apple is my recommendation.

 

[Matcha]

there really is no workaround and will need Apple to unlock it for you . They are only willing to do it if proof of purchase is provided. There isn’t a tool when its server Side.

 

[LogicalApex]

A friend of mine picked up an iPad at a computer surplus store. Got it home to set it up, and of course it's still connected to someone's AppleID. It won't let me erase it. I tried putting it into restore mode, but the finder won't see the iPad in restore mode.

I just don't know what to do at this point -- what tool can I use to erase this iPad so it can be used.

None really. Apple won't unlock it as they have no way to know who the rightful owner is. This is also why they force you to turn it off before giving devices to them for repair or exchange... You can reach out to them, but they'll tell you to find the iCloud account it is locked to as they can delete it from their account to sort it out. Otherwise, return it if you can.

Contact apple. That being said, almost useless at this point unless Apple does something.
I bought one from Best Buy, apparently it was a returned one. Owner put it in lost mode. Even with my receipt, email proof of purchase, etc., Apple couldn't do anything to unlock it. Best Buy said the order didn't exist, even though it's on my orders and I have a receipt lol. /shrugs I have a $500 ipad mini paper weight.

That's a nightmare and why I stick to credit cards at stores. You'd be able to charge them back and walk away...

Your only recourse now is Small Claims Court as @cpatrick08 mentioned. Should be straight forward on paper, but I doubt BB will show up and you'll need to do some legwork with the Sheriff to collect...

 

[LogicalApex]

there really is no workaround and will need Apple to unlock it for you . They are only willing to do it if proof of purchase is provided. There isn’t a tool when its server Side.

Has anyone actually done this? I would hope Apple doesn't do this as very few retailers attach serial numbers to their receipts. I know Apple does and so does MicroCenter.

If they were willing to unlock it with a simple receipt I'd imagine thieves would just buy iPhones for a receipt (or doctor them) and take those to Apple to fraudulently unlock phones defeating the purpose of Activation Lock.

 

[AutomaticApple]

A friend of mine picked up an iPad at a computer surplus store. Got it home to set it up, and of course it's still connected to someone's AppleID. It won't let me erase it. I tried putting it into restore mode, but the finder won't see the iPad in restore mode.

I just don't know what to do at this point -- what tool can I use to erase this iPad so it can be used.

Speak to Apple before doing anything else.